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Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle ()

20 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200Z/20, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) is commissioned at Belfast having completed her conversion to armed merchant cruiser. (1)

23 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted compass swing and gunnery trials in Belfast Lough following which she departed for Portsmouth. (1)

25 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Portsmouth from Belfast. (1)

1 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted D/F calibration trials off Portsmouth. (2)

2 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) proceeded from Portsmouth to Portland where she was to work-up. (2)

8 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2215Z/8, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Portland for Plymouth. (2)

9 Jan 1940
Around 0745Z/9, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Plymouth from Portland.

Around 1815Z/9, after having embarked stores, she departed Plymouth for Freetown via Dakar. She is to join the South Atlantic Station. (2)

16 Jan 1940
Around 1115N/16, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Dakar from Plymouth. (2)

17 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730N/17, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Dakar for Freetown. (2)

19 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0845N/19, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Freetown from Dakar. (2)

24 Jan 1940

Convoy SL 18.

This convoy departed Freetown on 24 January 1940.

It was made up of the following transports; Ardanbhan (British, 4980 GRT, built 1929), Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Cape Nelson (British, 3807 GRT, built 1929), Chulmleigh (British, 5445 GRT, built 1938), Clan MacPhee (British, 6628 GRT, built 1911), Clan Matheson (British, 5613 GRT, built 1919), Dalveen (British, 5193 GRT, built 1927), Delane (British, 6054 GRT, built 1938), Henry Stanley (British, 5026 GRT, built 1929), Lafian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Llanberis (British, 5055 GRT, built 1928), Port Denison (British, 10334 GRT, built 1918), South Wales (British, 5619 GRT, built 1929), St. Elwyn (British, 4940 GRT, built 1938), Tregenna (British, 5242 GRT, built 1919), Umberleigh (British, 4950 GRT, built 1927) and Wentworth (British, 5212 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Bulolo (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN).

The St. Elwyn returned to Freetown with defects on 27 January 1940.

Around 1045Z/8, convoy SLF 18, made up of the transports Jonathan Holt (British, 3793 GRT, built 1938), Natia (British, 8715 GRT, built 1920), Orestes (British, 7748 GRT, built 1926) and Surrey (British, 8581 GRT, built 1919) merged with convoy SL 18. Also the escort of convoy SLF 18, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) joined.

At 0830Z/9, the escort was turned over to the destroyer HMS Windsor (Lt.Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN). The armed merchant cruisers both parted company to proceed to Dakar.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 12 February 1940.

28 Jan 1940

Convoy SLF 18.

This convoy departed Freetown on 28 January 1940.

It was made up of the following transports; Jonathan Holt (British, 3793 GRT, built 1938), Natia (British, 8715 GRT, built 1920), Orestes (British, 7748 GRT, built 1926) and Surrey (British, 8581 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN).

Around 1045Z/8, the convoy merged with convoy SL 18. [For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SL 18 ' for 24 January 1940.]

15 Feb 1940
Around 0930N/15, the armed merchant cruisers HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and HMS Bulolo (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN) arrived at Dakar from convoy escort duty. (3)

17 Feb 1940
Around 1800N/17, the armed merchant cruisers HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and HMS Bulolo (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN) departed Dakar for Freetown. (3)

19 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930N/19, the armed merchant cruisers HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and HMS Bulolo (A/Capt.(Retd.) C.H. Petrie, RN) arrived at Freetown from Dakar. (3)

27 Feb 1940

Convoy SL 22.

This convoy departed Freetown on 24 January 1940.

It was made up of the following transports; Alfred Jones (British, 5013 GRT, built 1930), Anglo Saxon (British, 5596 GRT, built 1929), Bruyère (British, 5335 GRT, built 1919), Dunstan (British, 5149 GRT, built 1925), Grangepark (British, 5132 GRT, built 1919), Harpalion (British, 5486 GRT, built 1932), Imperial Valley (British, 4573 GRT, built 1924), Lalande (British, 7453 GRT, built 1920), Liberian (British, 5129 GRT, built 1936), Mabriton (British, 6694 GRT, built 1920), Margalau (British, 4541 GRT, built 1926), Monkleigh (British, 5203 GRT, built 1927), Nurtureton (British, 6272 GRT, built 1929), Richard de Larrinaga (British, 5358 GRT, built 1929), Trelissick (British, 5265 GRT, built 1919) and West Wales (British, 4353 GRT, built 1925).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN).

Around 1030Z/11, convoy SLF 22, made up of the transports Buteshire (British, 6590 GRT, built 1912), Canonesa (British, 8286 GRT, built 1920), Corrientes (British, 6863 GRT, built 1920), Devon (British, 9036 GRT, built 1915), Idomeneus (British, 7792 GRT, built 1926), Nagara (British, 8791 GRT, built 1919) and Royal Star (British, 7900 GRT, built 1919) merged with convoy SL 22. Also the escort of convoy SLF 22, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Mooltan (Capt.(Retd.) G.E. Sutcliff, RN) joined.

Around 1107Z/11, HMS Dunvegan Castle parted company with the convoy.

Around 0700N/12, HMS Mooltan turned over the convoy to the local escort made up of the sloop Rochester and the destroyer HMS Venetia (Lt. J.H. Eaden, DSC, RN) and the sloop HMS Rochester (Cdr. G.F. Renwick, RN).

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 15 March 1940.

19 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1015N/19, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Dakar from convoy escort duty. (4)

22 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730N/22, the armed merchant cruisers HMS Mooltan (Capt.(Retd.) G.E. Sutcliff, RN) and HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Dakar for Freetown. (5)

23 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1030N/23, the armed merchant cruisers HMS Mooltan (Capt.(Retd.) G.E. Sutcliff, RN) and HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Freetown from Dakar. (5)

30 Mar 1940

Convoy SL 26.

This convoy departed Freetown on 30 March 1940.

It was made up of the following transports; Barbara Marie (British, 4223 GRT, built 1928), Chelatros (Greek, 3489 GRT, built 191), Cliftonhall (British, 5063 GRT, built 1938), Congonian (British, 5065 GRT, built 1936), Coronda (British ((whale oil) tanker, 7503 GRT, built 1899), Delambre (British, 7032 GRT, built 1917), Iddesleigh (British, 5205 GRT, built 1927), Janeta (British, 4312 GRT, built 1929), Kayeson (British, 4606 GRT, built 1929), Marlene (British, 6507 GRT, built ), Navarino (British, 4841 GRT, built 1937), Norman Star (British, 6817 GRT, built 1919), Ramillies (British, 4553 GRT, built 1927) and Sambre (British, 5260 GRT, built 1919).

On departure from Freetown to the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura (Capt.(Retd.) C.W.E. Trelawny, RN).

The Coronda returned to Freetown later on the 30th being unable to keep up with the convoy.

The (whale oil) tanker Peter Bogen (British, 9741 GRT, built 1925) departed Freetown later on the 30th to overtake and join the convoy at sea.

The transport Godfrey B. Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) and (whale oil) tanker Uniwaleco (British, 9755 GRT, built 1905) departed Freetown on 31 March to overtake and join the convoy at sea. They were escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN).

The transport Sobo (British, 5353 GRT, built 1937) departed Dakar on 1 April 1940 to join the convoy at sea.

The transport Asphalion (British, 6274 GRT, built 1924) departed Freetown on 2 April 1940 to overtake and join the convoy at sea.

Around 1700A/12, HMS Ranpura parted company.

Around 1930A/12, the sloop HMS Leith (Cdr. G.R. Waymouth, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0730A/13, the destroyer HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Dunvegan Castle then parted company with the convoy.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 15 March 1940.

14 Apr 1940
Around 2110A/14, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) dropped anchor in Belfast Lough. She proceeded to Belfast the following day where she was taken in hand for a short refit at the Harland & Wolff Shipyard. (6)

19 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) is docked at Belfast. (6)

24 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) is undocked. (6)

1 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted compass swing trials in Belfast Lough on completion of which she departed for Dakar. (7)

3 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) made a short stop at Falmouth to land a sick crewmember before continuing her passage to Dakar. (7)

10 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1115Z/10, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Dakar from Belfast (via Falmouth). (7)

14 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600N/14, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Dakar for Freetown. (7)

16 May 1940
Around 0730N/16, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Freetown from Dakar. (7)

17 May 1940

Convoy SL 32.

This convoy departed Freetown on 17 May 1940.

It was made up of the following transports; Ashworth (British, 5227 GRT, built 1920), Aymeric (British, 5196 GRT, built 1919), Bretwalda (British, 4906 GRT, built 1939), Carras (Greek, 5234 GRT, built 1918), Chr. Knudsen (Norwegian, 4904 GRT, built 1925), City of Nagpur (British, 10146 GRT, built 1922), Clan MacTavish (British, 7631 GRT, built 1921), Fresno Star (British, 7998 GRT, built 1919), Henry Stanley (British, 5026 GRT, built 1929), King Alfred (British, 5272 GRT, built 1919), Lafian (British, 4876 GRT, built 1937), Meriones (British, 7557 GRT, built 1922), Oakdene (British, 4255 GRT, built 1935), Strombus (Norwegian (whale factory ship), 6549 GRT, built 1900), Swinburne (British, 4659 GRT, built 1917), Trelawny (British, 4689 GRT, built 1927) and Trevaylor (British, 5257 GRT, built 1940).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN).

On 18 May 1940 the transports Coracero (British, 7252 GRT, built 1923) and Stirlingshire (British, 6022 GRT, built 1928) left Freetown to overtake and join the convoy. They joined around noon on 22 May.

On 19 May 1940 the transports Llandovery Castle (British, 10609 GRT, 1925) and Nalon (British, 7222 GRT, 1915) left Freetown to overtake and join the convoy. Llandovery Castle joined around noon on 22 May. Nalon joined around noon on 23 May.

On 21 May 1940, the transport Spero (Norwegian, 3619 GRT, built 1919) left Dakar to join the convoy.

Around 1830N/30, the sloop HMS Folkestone (Lt.Cdr. C.F.H. Churchill, RN) joined the convoy.

Around 0615N/31, the sloop HMS Aberdeen (Cdr. H.P. Currey, RN) joined the convoy. HMS Dunvegan Castle then parted company with the convoy.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 June 1940.

7 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0730Z/7, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Dakar from convoy escort duty. (8)

10 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1700N/10, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Dakar for Freetown. (8)

12 Jun 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930N/12, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Freetown from Dakar. (8)

15 Jun 1940

Convoy SL 36.

This convoy departed Freetown on 15 June 1940.

It was made up of the following transports; Agapenor (British, 7391 GRT, built 1914), Alcinous (Dutch, 6189 GRT, built 1925), Baron Elgin (British, 3942 GRT, built 1933), Baron Semple (British, 4573 GRT, built 1939), Bencruachan (British, 5920 GRT, built 1928), Benvrackie (British, 6434 GRT, built 1922), Blairclova (British, 5083 GRT, built 1938), Boma (British, 5408 GRT, built 1920), British Zeal (British (tanker), 8532 GRT, built 1937), Carelia (British (tanker), 8062 GRT, built 1938), City of Melbourne (British, 6630 GRT, built 1919), Clan Ogilvy (British, 5802 GRT, built 1914), Clearton (British, 5219 GRT, built 1919), Corinaldo (British, 7131 GRT, built 1921), Delfshaven (Dutch, 5281 GRT, built 1930), Derrynane (British, 4896 GRT, built 1938), East Wales (British, 4358 GRT, built 1925), Framlington Court (British, 4888 GRT, built 1924), Homeside (British, 4617 GRT, built 1924), Ilvington Court (British, 5187 GRT, built 1919), Kastelholm (Finnish, 5417 GRT, built 1907), Mount Kitheron (Greek, 3876 GRT, built 1912), Pennington Court (British, 6098 GRT, built 1924), Peru (British, 6569 GRT, built 1916), River Afton (British, 5479 GRT, built 1935), Romney (British, 5840 GRT, built 1929), Royal Emblem (British, 4900 GRT, built 1940), Sandanger (Norwegian (tanker), 9432 GRT, built 1938), Silverlarch (British, 5064 GRT, built 1924), Stad Maassluis (Dutch, 6541 GRT, built 1918), Tuva (Dutch, 4652 GRT, built 1935), Uranienborg (British, 5257 GRT, built 1940) and William Wilberforce (British, 4013 GRT, built 1930).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN).

On 16 June 1940, the transports Avelona Star (British, 13376 GRT, built 1927), Beignon (British, 5218 GRT, built 1939), Clan Murdoch (British, 5950 GRT, built 1919), Godfrey B. Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) and Slemmestad (British, 4258 GRT, built 1928) departed Freetown to overtake and join the convoy. The Godfrey B. Holt and Beignon joined the convoy around 0900N/19. The Clan Murdoch around 0730N/20. [There is no mention of the Avelona Star and Slemmestad joining in the logbook of HMS Dunvegan Castle.]

On 16 June 1940, the Clearton and Homeside straggled from the convoy due to bad coal. They were unable to do more then 8 knots. Apparently the later rejoined the convoy.

From Dakar three more transports were sailed to join the convoy, these were the Belmoira (Norwegian, 3214 GRT, built 1928), Lafonia (British, 1961 GRT, built 1911) and Orari (British, 10350 GRT, built 1931). The last two of these joined the convoy around 1300N/18. [There is no mention of the Avelona Star and Belmoira joining in the logbook of HMS Dunvegan Castle.]

Shortly after 1000Z/30, the Clan Ogilvy was torpedoed and damaged by the German submarine U-65. The damaged ship proceeded to Falmouth escorted by the destroyer HMS Vesper (Lt.Cdr. W.E.F. Hussey, DSC, RN) and corvette HMS Gladiolus (Lt.Cdr. H.M.C. Sanders, RNR). U-65 made two more attacks on the convoy firing single torpedoes but both missed.

Around 1415Z/30, the destroyers HMS Windsor (Cdr. P.D.H.R. Pelly, RN) and HMS Vesper joined the convoy.

Shortly after 2030Z/30, the Avelona Star was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-43. Survivors were picked up by the Beignon (82) and HMS Dunvegan Castle (2). Following the attack HMS Dunvegan Castle dropped some depth charges.

Around 0200Z/1, the Beignon was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-30. Survivors were picked up by HMS Windsor and HMS Vesper.

Shortly before 1200Z/1, the Clearton was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-102. Survivors were picked up by HMS Windsor and HMS Vesper. The destroyer HMS Vansittart (Lt.Cdr. W. Evershed, RN) meanwhile had also arrived in the area and depth charged an A/S contact resulting in the sinking of U-102.

HMS Dunvegan Castle parted company with the convoy around 1455Z/1.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 July 1940.

9 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1845Z/9, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Freetown from convoy escort duty. (9)

9 Jul 1940

Convoy SL 39.

This convoy departed Freetown on 9 July 1940.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Alioth (British, 4583 GRT, built 1937), Athelknight (British (tanker), 8940 GRT, built 1930), Borgland (Norwegian, 3636 GRT, built 1918), British Advocate (British (tanker), 6994 GRT, built 1922), British Strength (British (tanker), 7139 GRT, built 1931), Caduceus (British, 4364 GRT, built 1927), City of Dundee (British, 5273 GRT, built 1921), Clan MacIndoe (British, 4635 GRT, built 1920), Clan MacIver (British, 4500 GRT, built 1925), Clan Matheson (British, 5613 GRT, built 1919), Clunepark (British, 3491 GRT, built 1928), Elg (British, 4014 GRT, built 1930), Gdynia (Swedish, 1636 GRT, built 1934), Henzada (British, 4161 GRT, built 1934), Kioto (British, 3297 GRT, built 1918), Lalande (British, 7453 GRT, built 1920), Limbourg (Belgium, 2396 GRT, built 1938), Makalla (British, 6677 GRT, built 1918), Malaya (British, 8654 GRT, built 1921), Marsa (British, 4405 GRT, built 1928), Merchant (British, 4615 GRT, built 1934), Mount Athos (Greek, 3578 GRT, built 1913), Navarino (British, 4841 GRT, built 1937), Olga S. (British (former Danish), 2252 GRT, built 1938), Onoba (British (tanker), 6256 GRT, built 1938), Orfor (British, 6578 GRT, built 1921), River Lugar (British, 5423 GRT, built 1937), Salamaua (British, 6754 GRT, built 1920), Samnager (Norwegian, 4276 GRT, built 1918), Scorton (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Sheaf Holme (British, 4814 GRT, built 1929), Sydland (Swedish, 5134 GRT, built 1920), Tewkesbury (British, 4600 GRT, built 1927), Tigre (Norwegian, 5498 GRT, built 1926) and Trevalgan (British, 5299 GRT, built 1937).

The convoy departed Freetown around 0600N/9, seven of these transports sailed around 1800N/9 to overtake and join the convoy at sea.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Corfu (Capt. W.G. Agnew, RN).

At 0302N/10, in bad weather, HMS Hermes (A/Rear-Admiral R.F.J. Onslow, DSC, MVO, RN) and HMS Corfu collided with each other. The ships got stuck together and only came loose around 0520N/10. Most of the crew of the heavily damaged Corfu had evacuated to the Hermes but later the engine room staff returned. HMS Hermes then proceeded to Freetown while HMS Corfu got underway for Freetown also at dead slow speed and proceeding astern under escort by HMS Dorsetshire (Capt. B.C.S. Martin, RN).

Around 1900N/10, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Freetown to take over the escort duties as HMS Corfu was unable to continue. She joined the convoy around 1830N/11.

On 19 July [date to be checked, no mention of them joining in the log of HMS Dunvegan Castle] convoy SLF 39, made up of the transports Abosso (British, 11330 GRT, built 1935), Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Autolycus (British, 7621 GRT, built 1922), City of Brisbane (British, 8006 GRT, built 1920), City of Canberra (British, 7484 GRT, built 1927), City of Marseilles (British, 8317 GRT, built 1913), Clan Colcuhoun (British, 7914 grt, built 1918), Clan MacPherson (British, 6940 GRT, built 1929), Gudrun Maersk (British, 2294 GRT, built 1937), Jamaica (Norwegian, 3105 GRT, built 1936), Maihar (British, 7563 GRT, built 1917), Nestor (British, 14629 GRT, built 1913), Seaforth (British, 5459 GRT, built 1939), Titan (British, 9035 GRT, built 1906) and Yoma (British, 8131 GRT, built 1928) merged with convoy SL 39. This convoy had departed Freetown on 11 July 1940. Due to the damage to HMS Corfu this convoy had been unescorted. It had originally been intended to had it escorted by HMS Dunvegan Castle.

Around 0800A/25, the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.A. Tait, RN) and corvette HMS Mallow (Lt.Cdr. W.B. Piggott, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 1015A/25, the destroyers HMCS Restigouche (Cdr. H.N. Lay, RN) and HMS Hesperus (Lt.Cdr. D.G.F.W. MacIntyre, RN) joined. HMS Dunvegan Castle then parted company to proceed to Greenock.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 29 July 1940.

26 Jul 1940
Around 2315A/26, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Freetown from convoy escort duty. (9)

31 Jul 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1500A/31, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Greenock for Freetown. (9)

11 Aug 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0730N/11, HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Freetown from Greenock. (10)

11 Aug 1940

Convoy SL 43.

This convoy departed Freetown on 11 August 1940.

It was made up of the following transports / tankers; Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Baron Scott (British, 4574 GRT, built 1939), Baronesa (British, 8663 GRT, built 1918), Benledi (British, 5943 GRT, built 1930), Cieszyn (Polish, 1386 GRT, built 1932), Chile (British, 6956 GRT, built 1915), Corinthian (British, 3121 GRT, built 1938), Dartford (British, 4093 GRT, built 1930), Debrett (British, 6244 GRT, built 1940), Dixcove (British, 3790 GRT, built 1927), Helmspey (British, 4764 GRT, built 1931), Helvig (British (former Danish), 2252 GRT, built 1937), Hindpool (British, 4897 GRT, built 1928), Imperial Valley (British, 4573 GRT, built 1924), Liberian (British, 5129 GRT, built 1936), Logician (British, 5993 GRT, built 1928), Maccreggor Laird (British, 4992 GRT, built 1930), Macharda (British, 7998 GRT, built 1938), Marken (Dutch 5719 GRT, built 1937), Matadian (British, 4275 GRT, built 1936), Mount Othrys (Greek, 6527 GRT, built 1919), Oregon I (British (former Danish), 4774 GRT, built 1916), Port Dunedin (British, 7441 GRT, built 1925), Prome (British, 7043 GRT, built 1937), Rodney Star (British, 11803 GRT, built 1927), Spar (Dutch, 3616 GRT, built 1924), St. Clears (British, 4312 GRT, built 1936), St. Margaret (British, 4312 GRT, built 1936), St. Usk (British, 5472 GRT, built 1909), Stad Vlaardingen (Dutch, 8501 GRT, built 1925), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929), Taygetos (British, 4295 GRT, built 1918), Theodoros T. (Greek, 3409 GRT, built 1912), Turkistan (British, 6935 GRT, built 1939), Tyr (Norwegian, 4265 GRT, built 1926) and Umtali (British, 8135 GRT, built 1936),

The transport New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920) departed Bathurst on 13 August to join the convoy at sea.

Several transports, some of which had been coaling at St. Vincent (São Vicente Island), Cape Verde Islands, were to join the convoy at sea on the 14/15th. these were the following, Alchiba (Dutch, 4427 GRT, built 1920), Alcyone (Dutch, 4534 GRT, built 1921), Bendoran (British, 5567 GRT, built 1910), Duquesa (British, 8651 GRT, built 1918), Georgios P. (Greek, 4052 GRT, built 1903), Marconi (British, 7402 GRT, built 1917), Minnie de Larrinaga (British, 5049 GRT, built 1914), Springfontein (Dutch, 6406 GRT, built 1921) and Warfield (British, 6070 GRT, built 1917).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and the sloop HMS Milford (Capt.(Retd.) S.K. Smyth, RN).

On 13 (or 14) August 1940, the Cieszyn and HMS Milford parted company to proceed to Bathurst where they arrived at 1945N/15. On board the Cieszyn was the Gambia Company, Sierra Leone Battalion, Royal West African Frontier Force.

Around 1855Z/14, the light cruiser HMS Delhi (Capt. A.S. Russell, RN) joined the convoy. She parted company around 2020Z/16.

On 26 August, the sloop Fowey (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Aubrey, RN) and corvette HMS Periwinkle (Lt.Cdr. H. Row, RNR) joined the convoy.

On 27 August, the destroyer HMS Winchelsea (Lt.Cdr. W.A.F. Hawkins, DSC, RN) and corvette HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR) joined the convoy.

On 27 August, HMS Dunvegan Castle parted company with the convoy to proceed to Belfast where she was to be taken in hand for repairs.

27 Aug 1940
At 2147B/27 (Berlin Time, 2247A/27 (local time), the German submarine U-46 fired a torpedo, in position 55°05'N, 11°00'W, which hit the armed merchant cruiser HMS Dunvegan Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN), which had parted company with convoy SL 43 earlier in the day, on the starboard side aft of the bridge abreast the generator room. All the generators immediately stopped and the ship came to a halt. The emergency generators were then started and as the ship continued, the U-boat fired two further torpedoes at 2212B/27 and 2251B/27, which hit the engine room and just before the bridge respectively, both on the port side.

The vessel stopped, caught fire and foundered around 0600A/28 in position 54°54'N/11°00'W. Three officers and 24 ratings were lost. The Commanding Officer and 249 crew members (twelve of them wounded), which had already abondoned ship in the boats, were picked up by the destroyer HMS Harvester (Lt.Cdr. M. Thornton, RN) and the corvette HMS Primrose (Lt.Cdr. C.B. Sanders, RNVR) and landed in Scotland. Both escorts had arrived on the scene before the ship sank.

Armed Merchant Cruiser HMS Asturias (F 71)

13 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1430B/13, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Simontown to patrol in the South Atlantic. She is ordered to patrol in the River Plate focal area. (11)

3 Jan 1941
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) makes rendezvous with the chartered transport Baltavia (2461 GRT, built 1924) in Samborombón Bay, River Plate area to take on board supplies. HMS Asturias also transferred mails and stores she had brought with her from the Cape.

HMS Asturias resumed her patrol later the same day. (12)

7 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0915P/7, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Montevideo from patrol. (12)

8 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930P/8, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Montevideo to resume patrol in the River Plate focal area. (12)

13 Jan 1941

Prelude to and finally the capture of the Vichy French passenger / cargo ship Mendoza on 18 January 1941.

At 0215P/13, when in position 082° - Lobos Island - 11.7 nautical miles, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) sighted the Vichy French passenger/cargo ship Mendoza (8199 GRT, built 1920) just inside Lobos Island. HMS Asturias closed, tried to head Mendoza off from the shore, and ordered her to stop her engines and then to head east. No notice was taken of these orders and a collision was narrowly avoided.

When Mendoza was 3.6 nautical miles from the shore, thus outside territorial waters, she appeared to stop. HMS Asturias then lowered a boat with a boarding party. However the Mendoza drifted to leeward, probably assisted by her engines, and by the time the boarding party got alongside, the Mendoza had anchored 2 nautical miles from the shore. The boarding officer tried to persuade the master to weigh anchor but this attempt was ignored and the boarding party was then withdrawn. HMS Asturias was ordered to keep in touch with the Mendoza in case she would weigh anchor.

Mendoza later weighed anchor but she proceeded to Montevideo roads where she anchored about midnight during the night of 13/14 January 1941.

At 1315P/14, the Mendoza weighed anchor and got underway. She anchored off Goriti around 1700P/14 after she had sighted HMS Asturias patrolling to the east of Lobos Island.

Around 1300P/15, the Mendoza weighed anchor and proceeded northwards inside territorial waters. HMS Asturias followed and shadowed her.

P.M. on the 17th, the Mendoza anchored in Porto Belo Bay, Brazil. She got underway the next morning and at 0600P/18, she was boarded by the boarding party of HMS Asturias in approximate position 26°41'S, 48°12'W. Her master refused to navigate the ship so HMS Asturias put a streaming party on board and HMS Asturias then stood out to sea with the Mendoza in company. (13)

12 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930P/12, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Rio de Janeiro from patrol. She had been patrolling in the Rio de Janeiro focal area since 21 January 1941. (14)

12 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0815P/12, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Rio de Janeiro to resume patrol in the Rio de Janeiro focal area. (14)

16 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) left her patrol area in the Rio de Janeiro focal area to proceed to the River Plate focal area. (15)

20 Mar 1941
Around 0900P/20, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Buenos Aires from patrol. She had been granted permission to stay for 48 hours to repair some machinery defects. (15)

22 Mar 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100P/22, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Buenos Aires for patrol in the South Atlantic. She had been ordered to patrol in the Rio de Janeiro focal area. (15)

7 Apr 1941
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) left the Rio de Janeiro focal area to patrol in the River Plate focal area. (13)

23 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1030PQ/23, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Montevideo from patrol. (15)

25 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000PQ/25, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Montevideo to resume patrol in the River Plate focal area. (15)

27 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) left the River Plate focal area to patrol in the Rio de Janeiro focal area. (13)

23 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930P/23, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Rio de Janeiro from patrol. (16)

24 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830P/24, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Rio de Janeiro for the River Plate focal area. (16)

10 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) made rendezvous with the chartered transport Baltavia (2461 GRT, built 1924) in Samborombón Bay, River Plate area. HMS Asturias then took on board stores before she resumed patrol in the River Plate focal area. (17)

14 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1945P/14, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived in Samborombón Bay from patrol. (17)

15 Jun 1941
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) received 1000 tons of fuel from the RFA tanker Abbeydale (8299 GRT, built 1937) in Samborombón Bay. On completion of fuelling HMS Asturias left Samborombón Bay to resume patrol in the River Plate focal area. (17)

17 Jun 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) on patrol in the River Plate focal area is relieved by HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN). HMS Asturias then left patrol to proceed to Newport News, Virginia, USA where she is to refit. (13)

3 Jul 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0530R/3, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Newport News, Virginia, USA from the South America Station. (18)

12 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During her refit, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) is docked in No.2 graving dock at Newport News. (19)

17 Aug 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) is undocked. (19)

1 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her refit completed, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) proceeded from Newport News to Hampton Roads. (20)

3 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in Chesapeake Bay. (20)

4 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted D/G trials in Chesapeake Bay. (20)

5 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted compass adjustment trials in Chesapeake Bay. (20)

6 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted compass adjustment and RDF calibration trials in Chesapeake Bay. On completion of these trials she proceeded to Newport News. (20)

7 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200R/7, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Newport News for Bermuda. (20)

10 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1700Q/10, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Bermuda from Newport News. En-route exercises had been carried out. (20)

11 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 11/12 October 1941, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted exercises off Bermuda. (20)

14 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 14/15 October 1941, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted exercises off Bermuda. (20)

21 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0915Q/21, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Trinidad from Bermuda. (20)

27 Oct 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Trinidad escorting the RFA tanker Derwentdale (8390 GRT, built 1941) towards the south.

They were to proceed through the following positions;
A) 06°30'N, 50°00'W.
B) 04°30'N, 34°30'W.
C) 08°00'S, 33°40'W.
D) 15°00'S, 36°00'W.
They were then to make rendezvous with HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN) at 1000Z/9 in position 21°00'S, 36°00'W. (21)

7 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1900O/7, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and the RFA tanker Derwentdale (8390 GRT, built 1941) made rendezvous in approximate position 18°30'S, 32°36'W with HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN).

They remained in company until 1100O/8 when HMS Bulolo parted company to resume patrol. HMS Asturias had transferred some personnel to HMS Bulolo. (22)

13 Nov 1941
Around 1600N/13, in position 28°37'S, 12°37'W, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) parted company with the RFA tanker Derwentdale (8390 GRT, built 1941).

HMS Asturias then set course to patrol near the Trinidade Islands.

The Derwentdale proceeded to proceed to Simonstown. She was joined around 1630Z/13 in position 29°50'S, 08°30'W by HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) H.N.M. Hardy, DSO, RN). (23)

29 Nov 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) left patrol to proceed to Montevideo. (24)

5 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000P/5, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Montevideo from patrol. (25)

7 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1030P/7, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Montevideo for patrol in the South Atlantic. She is ordered to patrol north of the Trinidade Islands. (26)

31 Dec 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) left patrol to proceed to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. (26)

7 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1700O/7, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands from patrol. (27)

9 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0530O/9, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Port Stanley for patrol. She is ordered to patrol to the south / south-west of the Falkland Islands. (27)

19 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) left patrol to proceed to Rio de Janeiro. (27)

25 Jan 1942
Around 1100P/25, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Rio de Janeiro from patrol. She arrived with some engine defects and was granted an additional 24 hours in port. (27)

28 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0815P/28, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Rio de Janeiro for patrol. She is ordered to patrol off the Trinidade Islands for which she was to make rendezvous with HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN). (27)

31 Jan 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900O/31, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN) made rendezvous in approximate position 22°20'S, 33°54'W. The two armed merchant cruiser then commenced to patrol in the Trinidade area keeping in close proximity. (28)

5 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200O/5, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN) parted company. Both were to patrol independently in the Rio de Janeiro focal area. (29)

11 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0700O/11, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and HMS Bulolo (Capt.(Retd.) R.L. Hamer, RN) made rendezvous near Cape Frio, Brazil in approximate position 23°10'S, 41°30'W.

About two hours later they were joined by the merchant vessel Avila Star (British, 14443 GRT, built 1927) which came from Trinidad with a draft for both ships which were then taken on board by the armed merchant cruisers.

On completion of the transfer both armed merchant cruisers resumed their patrol in the Rio de Janeiro focal area. (30)

16 Feb 1942
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) left her patrol in the Rio de Janeiro focal area to proceed to the River Plate focal area. (31)

21 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0745O/21, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) anchored in Samborombón Bay where she then fuelled from the RFA tanker Broomdale (8334 GRT, built 1937). (31)

23 Feb 1942
Around 0945P/23, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN) arrived at Montevideo. (31)

25 Feb 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2200P/25, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN) departed Montevideo to patrol in the River Plate focal area. (31)

28 Feb 1942
Around 0900P/28, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN) made rendezvous with the RFA tanker Broomdale (8334 GRT, built 1937) in approximate position 35°07'S, 52°19'W. Mails and correspondence were then transferred by the armed merchant cruiser to the tanker.

HMS Asturias then resumed patrol while the Broomdale proceeded to Montevideo. (31)

1 Mar 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1130P/1, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN) made rendezvous with HMS Cilicia (Capt.(Retd.) V.B. Cardwell, OBE, RN) in approximate position 33°25'S, 45°41'W.

Correspondence was then transferred and on these ships parting company rangefinding and inclination (RIX) exercises were carried out.

HMS Asturias then set course for Freetown while HMS Cilicia commenced to patrol in the River Plate focal area. (32)

9 Mar 1942
Around 0930Z/9, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN) arrived at Freetown.

Later that day, Rear-Admiral F.H. Pegram, DSO, RN, struck his flag as Rear-Admiral South America Division and left the ship to take up his new position as Flag Officer in Charge, Freetown. (33)

16 Mar 1942
At Freetown, the Commander-in-Chief, South Atlanic Station, Vice-Admiral W.E.C. Tait, CB, MVO, RN, hoisted his flag in HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN).

The armed merchant cruiser then left Freetown for South Africa around 1615Z/16. She was escorted by the destroyer HMS Boreas (Lt.Cdr. E.L. Jones, DSC, RN) until 1030Z/18 when she parted company in position 00°35'S, 15°19'W. (34)

19 Mar 1942
In the afternoon, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN, flying the flag of the C-in-C, South Atlantic, Vice-Admiral W.E.C. Tait, CB, MVO, RN) made a brief stop at Ascension to land four W/T personnel there. Also two ratings boarded the ship to take passage to South Africa. The Vice-Admiral also briefly went ashore for an inspection.

After about four hours HMS Asturias continued her passage. (35)

21 Mar 1942
In the afternoon, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN, flying the flag of the C-in-C, South Atlantic, Vice-Admiral W.E.C. Tait, CB, MVO, RN) made a brief stop at St. Helena to land 2 ratings for HMS Nigella (T/Lt. L.J. Simpson, RNR). The Vice-Admiral also briefly went ashore for an inspection. During the time HMS Asturias was anchored, HMS Nigella conducted an A/S patrol to the seaward of the armed merchant cruiser.

After about four hours HMS Asturias continued her passage to South Africa. (35)

26 Mar 1942
Around 1130B/26, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN, flying the flag of the C-in-C, South Atlantic, Vice-Admiral W.E.C. Tait, CB, MVO, RN) arrived at Simonstown.

At 1345B/26, Vice-Admiral Tait struck his flag and he and his staff theen left the armed merchant cruiser. (35)

31 Mar 1942
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) is docked in the Selborne graving dock at the Simonstown Dockyard. (35)

10 Apr 1942
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) is undocked at the Simonstown Dockyard following which she conducted gunnery exercises in False Bay. (36)

11 Apr 1942
Around 0700B/11, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Simonstown for Capetown where she arrived around 1700B/11. On entering Capetown D/G trials were carried out. (36)

12 Apr 1942
Around 0915B/12, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Capetown for Port Elizabeth. (37)

14 Apr 1942
Around 1100B/14, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Port Elizabeth from Capetown. At Port Elizabeth she was taken in hand for engine repairs which were expected to take over a month. (37)

13 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100B/13, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Port Elizabeth for Simonstown. (38)

15 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000B/15, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Simonstown from Port Elizabeth. (39)

19 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted gunnery exercises in False Bay. (39)

20 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2345B/20, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Simonstown for Capetown. (39)

21 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830B/21, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Capetown from Simonstown. (39)

25 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930B/25, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Capetown for Simonstown where she arrived around 1600B/25. (39)

26 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted catapult test at Simonstown. During her stay in South Africa the ship had been fitted with equipment to operate a scout aircraft. (39)

27 May 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted aircraft launching and recovering exercises in False Bay. (39)

28 May 1942
Around 0845B/28, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) left Simonstown for patrol. She is ordered to patrol in the South Atlantic. During this patrol she was to provide cover for the troop transports Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936) (Convoy WS 19W) which was to be expeted to cross 20°S around 2/3 June and Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914) (Convoy WS 19Q) which was expected to cross the equator around 12 June. (39)

19 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830Z/19, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol. (40)

21 Jun 1942
Around 1745Z/21, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Freetown for patrol in the Mid- and South Atlantic.

She was also to provide cover for the troop transport Queen Elizabeth (British, 83673 GRT, built 1939) (Convoy WS 19Y) passing through the area. (40)

30 Jun 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200Z/30, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) made rendezvous in position 00°30'S, 08°30'W with the ocean boarding vessel HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR) which was escorting the cable vessel Lady Denison-Pender (British, 1984 GRT, built 1920). The cable laying vessel is to repair the St. Helena - Capetown cable. (40)

4 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0720Z/4, in position 11°31'S, 02°13'W, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN), HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR) and the cable vessel Lady Denison-Pender (British, 1984 GRT, built 1920) were joined by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Alcantara (A/Capt.(Retd.) J.D. Harvey, RN).

HMS Asturias and HMS Largs then parted company to proceed to Freetown while HMS Alcantara was to escort the cable laying vessel to Capetown. (41)

8 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1530Z/8, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR) arrived at Freetown. (42)

12 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted underway refuelling exercises off Freetown with HMS Crocus (T/Lt. J.F. Holm, RNZNR) and HMS Tamarisk (Lt. S. Ayles, RNR). (42)

13 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1630Z/13, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and armed boarding vessel HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR) departed Freetown to patrol in the mid-Atlantic and then onwards to St. Thomas in the West Indies. (43)

27 Jul 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200Q/27, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and armed boarding vessel HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR) arrived at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands from patrol. (42)

2 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600Q/7, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and armed boarding vessel HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR) departed St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. They then joined the floating dock AFD 25 in tow of the tugs HMS Aimwell and HMS Favourite and escorted by the corvettes HMS Cowslip (Lt. F. Granger, RNR) and HMS Crocus (T/Lt. J.F. Holm, RNZNR).

The floating dock was on passage to Freetown. (44)

10 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Aimwell was fuelled and watered while underway by HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN). (45)

11 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Crocus (T/Lt. J.F. Holm, RNZNR) and HMS Cowslip (Lt. F. Granger, RNR) were both fuelled while underway by HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN). (45)

15 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
In the early morning hours floating dock AFD 25 broke its back in the swell. Salvage attempts were undertaken but late in the afternoon there was no other choice then to scuttle the dock which eventually sank in position 12°01'N, 40°50'W early in the evening.

The escort and tugs; the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN), armed boarding vessel HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR), corvettes HMS Cowslip (Lt. F. Granger, RNR), HMS Crocus (T/Lt. J.F. Holm, RNZNR) and tugs HMS Aimwell and HMS Favourite continued the passage to Freetown. (44)

16 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Crocus (T/Lt. J.F. Holm, RNZNR) was topped off with fuel fuel while underway by HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN).

At 2055O/16, the corvette was detached from the group made up of HMS Asturias, HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR), HMS Cowslip (Lt. F. Granger, RNR), HMS Aimwell and HMS Favourite. (45)

17 Aug 1942
HMS Crocus (T/Lt. J.F. Holm, RNZNR) was topped off with fuel fuel while underway by HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN). At dawn on the 17th, it became apparent that HMS Aimwell had lost contact during the night with HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN), HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR), HMS Cowslip (Lt. F. Granger, RNR) and HMS Favourite.

A seach by the aircraft from HMS Asturias failed to find the missing tug. It was hoped she would proceed to Freetown independently.

During the day, HMS Cowslip was fuelled while underway by HMS Asturias. (45)

20 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2015N/19, in position 09°54'N, 26°00'W, HMS Cowslip (Lt. F. Granger, RNR) and HMS Favourite were detached as ordered by the Rear-Admiral West Africa station. They were to proceed to Freetown independently from HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR). (45)

22 Aug 1942
Around 0930Z/22, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and HMS Largs (Cdr. E.A. Divers, RNR) arrived at Freetown.

The missing tug (since 16 August 1942) HMS Aimwell was seen by them to enter harbour around 1050Z/22.

Around 1545Z/22, HMS Cowslip (Lt. F. Granger, RNR) and HMS Favourite also entered harbour. (45)

26 Aug 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1545Z/26, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Freetown for patrol. She was ordered to patrol in the South Atlantic. On departure D/G trials were carried out. (46)

1 Sep 1942
Around 1200Z/1, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) E.W. Kitson, RN) and HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) made rendezvous in position 03°35'S, 17°27'W. They then continued their patrol in areas I 35A and I 35B but now in company.

They remained in company until around 1900Z/9. HMS Carnarvon Castle proceeded to patrol in areas H 34C and H 34D. HMS Asturias was to proceed to Freetown. (47)

11 Sep 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1130Z/11, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol. (48)

2 Oct 1942
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN) for patrol in the mid-Atlantic. They were to intercept the Spanish merchant vessel Monte Guguru (3551 GRT, built 1921) which is en-route to Spain from Rosario, Argentina possibly carrying contraband. (49)

5 Oct 1942
Around 1600Z/5, in approximate position 08°00'N, 24°50'W, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt.Cdr. A.G. Poe, RN) were joined by HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) E.W. Kitson, RN).

After some gunnery exercises they parted company about two hours later with HMS Carnarvon Castle setting course for Freetown escorted by HMS Brilliant. (50)

24 Oct 1942
Around 1315Z/24, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol. (49)

30 Oct 1942
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Freetown on a target that was being towed by HMS Aimwell. (51)

2 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) conducted exercises off Freetown. She was escorted by the A/S whaler HMS Southern Pride (T/Lt. F.A. Darrah, RNVR) which had just arrived with convoy CF 7. (52)

9 Nov 1942
Around 0800Z/9, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and HMS Amaranthus (T/Lt. W.S. Thomson, RNR) departed Freetown for an anti-blockade runner patrol in the mid-Atlantic. The merchant vessel Manchester Progress (British, 5620 GRT, built 1938) was in company until midnight during the night of 10/11 November when she was detached in position 07°10'N, 20°00'W to proceed to Hampton Roads. (53)

13 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Amaranthus (T/Lt. W.S. Thomson, RNR) was fuelled while underway by HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN). (52)

16 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Amaranthus (T/Lt. W.S. Thomson, RNR) was fuelled while underway by HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN). (52)

20 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Amaranthus (T/Lt. W.S. Thomson, RNR) was fuelled while underway by HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN). (52)

21 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2300ZN/21, HMS Amaranthus (T/Lt. W.S. Thomson, RNR) parted company with HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN). The corvette was to proceed to Freetown. (52)

27 Nov 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200Z/27, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Freetown from patrol. (52)

2 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1800Z/2, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Freetown for an anti-blockade runner patrol in the mid-Atlantic around the equator. (54)

6 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900Z/6, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) was joined by the corvette HMS Cyclamen (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR) in approximate position 04°39'N, 21°24'W. (54)

7 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Cyclamen (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR) was fuelled while underway by HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN). (55)

11 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Cyclamen (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR) was fuelled while underway by HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN). (55)

15 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Cyclamen (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR) was fuelled while underway by HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN). (55)

19 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Cyclamen (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR) was fuelled while underway by HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN). (55)

24 Dec 1942 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1330Z/24, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) and HMS Cyclamen (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR) arrived at Freetown from patrol. They both conducted D/G trials on arrival. (55)

1 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN), HMS Ilex (Lt.Cdr. V.A. Wight-Boycott, OBE, RN), HMS Holcombe (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Pinchin, DSC, RN) and HMS Woodruff (A/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Gray, RNR) departed Freetown escorting convoy CF 10.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy CF 10 ' for 19 December 1942.] (55)

6 Jan 1943

Convoy MKF 6

This convoy departed Algiers on 6 January 1943.

It was made up of the following (troop) transports; Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Derbyshire (British, 11660 GRT, built 1935), Exiria (American, 6533 GRT, built 1941), Gloucester (British, 8532 GRT, built 1941), Nea Hellas (British, 16991 GRT, built 1922), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Orontes (British, 20097 GRT, built 1929), Staffordshire (British, 10683 GRT, built 1929), Strathaird (British, 22281 GRT, built 1932), Windsor Castle (British, 19141 GRT, built 1922) and Zoella Lykes (American, 6829 GRT, built 1940).

On departure from Algiers the convoy was escorted by the destroyer HMS Clare (Lt.Cdr. J.P. Stewart, DSC, RD, RNR), escort destroyer HMS Haydon (Lt. R.C. Watkin, RN), sloops HMS Egret (Cdr. C.R.S. Farquhar, RN, Senior Officer), HMS Banff (Lt. P. Brett, RNR), HMS Fishguard (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Pryse, RNR) and the frigate HMS Test (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) F.B. Collinson, RD, RN).

Around 0630A/8, off Gibraltar in position 35°59'N, 05°21'W, HMS Haydon parted company as did the Exiria, Ormonde, Orontes and Zoella Lykes. These ships then entered Gibraltar.

Around 1100A/8, convoy CF 10 merged with convoy KMF 6. The following (troop) transports joined the convoy; Almanzora (British, 15551 GRT, built 1914), Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (Dutch, 19429 GRT, built 1930) and Straat Soenda (Dutch, 6439 GRT, built 1939) as did their escort, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN). The A/S escort of convoy CF 10 did not join convoy MKF 6 but proceeded to Gibraltar.

At 1620A/10, in position 42°28'N, 15°52'W, the Straat Soenda parted company with the convoy as she had to hove to due to weather damage she had sustained.

The convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 14 January 1943. (56)

14 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000A/14, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) arrived at Greenock from convoy escort duty. (57)

15 Jan 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0815A/15, HMS Asturias (Capt.(Retd.) H. Ardill, RN) departed Greenock for Belfast where she arrived at 1520A/15.

At Belfast she was taken in hand for refit by the Harland & Wolff shipyard. (58)

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